MEN’S WRESTLING OPENS SEASON WITH POSITIVES VERSUS NO. 15 EMBRY-RIDDLE

VALLEY CENTER, Kan. – Avila men's wrestling had a strong showing against tough competition on Friday night, taking on NAIA No. 15 Embry-Riddle to open its 2025-26 campaign.

Avila fought tough in all 10 duals on Friday and picked up a victory in the 157-pound class when freshman won Kristjan Marshall via decision, picking up the first victory of his collegiate career.

The final two matches of the night were the toughest competition for the Eagles, as Rodney Trotter Jr. went up against No. 11 Trenton Bloomquist in the 197-pound class while Gavin Howes took on No. 2 Kenneth Copley in the 285-pound division. Both Eagle wrestlers put up a tough match, losing via fall in more than four minutes each.

With a positive start to the season, Avila is right back in action less than 24 hours after opening its season, participating in the Falcon Open from Park City on Saturday.